Meanings of 奠
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About 奠
Podcast: 奠
Podcast: 奠
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AI Study Notes for 奠
定 (dìng) — use 奠 when referring to formal settings or rituals, while 定 is more general for fixing or determining something.
Imagine the character 奠 as a 'fixed' altar where offerings are placed. The left side (女) can remind you of a woman paying respects or offering something, while the right side (定) signifies something that is set or stable, helping you remember its meaning of 'to settle'.
This character is typically used in formal contexts, especially related to ceremonies or rituals. Learners often confuse it with similar-sounding characters, so pay attention to tone: 奠 (diàn) is pronounced with a falling tone. Common collocations include 奠基 (diàn jī, to lay a foundation) and 奠酒 (diàn jiǔ, to offer wine as a libation).
While 奠 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to concepts of respect and formality found in HSK Level 4. Students should focus on its use in cultural contexts and its pronunciation to avoid confusion with other characters.
In Chinese culture, the act of offering libations during memorial ceremonies reflects deep respect for ancestors and is an essential part of traditional funerals. This practice underscores the importance of filial piety and honoring the deceased in Chinese society.
Learners often confuse 奠 with 定 (dìng) due to their similar pronunciation and components. For example, saying '我奠了这个计划' (Wǒ diàn le zhège jìhuà) instead of '我定了这个计划' (Wǒ dìng le zhège jìhuà) can lead to misunderstanding, as 定 is more appropriate for 'to decide' or 'to fix' a plan.
Pronunciation of 奠
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Etymology of 奠
Pictograph of alchohol (酉) being poured out as a a libation for the dead.
A man 大 lifting up an offering of wine 酋
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 奠?
Decomposition of 奠
Identify the Components
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Write 奠
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Practice writing 奠 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 奠
奠 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
主队再进一球从而____定了优势。
The home side rubbed in their superiority with a further goal.
Example Sentences for 奠 (1)
Cultural Notes for 奠
In Chinese culture, the act of offering libations during memorial ceremonies reflects deep respect for ancestors and is an essential part of traditional funerals. This practice underscores the importance of filial piety and honoring the deceased in Chinese society.
Word Family of 奠
Compound Meaning
What does 奠定 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 奠
You can say 奠酒以祭祖 (diàn jiǔ yǐ jì zǔ), meaning 'offer wine to pay respects to ancestors'.
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